Thursday, 22nd September 2005

TOURISM BODY CALLS FOR BRAVE DECISIONS
TO DELIVER SECOND TERMINAL

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed the fact that the Minister for Transport, Mr Martin Cullen TD had issued a directive to the Aviation Regulator asking him to prioritise the proposals for Dublin Airport’s extension. The IHF maintains that the new airport terminal is an essential element of national infrastructure and suggests that the Aviation Regulator should examine all avenues to ensure that Dublin Airport Authority (DDA) is facilitated to develop the pier D by 2007 and Terminal 2 by 2009.  Any delays in this tight deadline would have serious consequences to development of Irish tourism and the attractiveness of Ireland as modern vibrant economy.   

John Power, Chief Executive, IHF stated that certainty and quick deliver of this facility has to be the overwhelming priority of the Regulator in making his decision. While the Regulator has to be vigilant that no excessive capital spend or operation inefficiencies are provided for in the application of the DAA, the IHF stresses that a mechanism has to be implemented to ensure the speedy delivery of this important development.

“The need for additional terminal facilities has been clear for almost a decade but now, at last, we have a definite clear plan with delivery dates. The new DAA and its executive are to be congratulated for bringing forward such clear cut proposals and we would call on the Government and Aviation Regulation to ensure no unreasonable barriers are put in the way of the delivery on this plan,” says John Power.

The IHF states that the new air terminal is vital to the national economy and in order to enable Ireland take best advantage of tourism growth potential.  The IHF maintains that if the necessary increases in airport charges are not sanctioned, further delays on the terminals development will ensue. Then this whole development could fall at the first hurdle if it is not perceived as a crucial part of national infrastructure.

“Whilst raising airport charges may not be the most palatable option, it does mean that the plan will at last come to fruition after too many years of inaction. The years of dilly-dallying on making concrete decisions to build the new terminal have to end now. We have a plan being put forward for this vital extension at the capital’s key point of international access and a definitive four year window for completion,” says John Power.

The IHF states that the tourism industry is Ireland’s largest indigenous sector, employing some 150,000 people and generating revenues of over €5 billion in 2004.  Last year over 18 million passengers used Dublin airport, representing an increase of over 4 million passengers since 2000.

“Given that we are now seeking to grow tourism revenue and attract in excess of 6.5 million overseas visitors this year alone, rising to 10 million by 2012, these new facilities are an absolute necessity and we would hope that all interested parties, Government, Regulator, airlines and the entire tourist industry see the bigger picture in terms of the provision, as quickly as possible, of this facility and thus support the DAA’s proposals,” Mr Power concludes.

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

Siobhan Molloy/Niamh Boylan            Tel: (01) 676 0168
Weber Shandwick FCC                      or 086 817 5066 / 086 380 9191